Balance and coordination teaching method

Abstract

A method for improving balance and coordination associated with the performance of a sport motion. The method comprises the initial step of providing a training apparatus, the latter comprising a stationary base member having first and second platforms rotationally mounted. The first and second are adapted to receive, respectively, a foot of an individual to enable the individual to stand thereon such that each foot can rotate independently about a separate axis. While standing upon the device, an individual may perform a variety of movements, such as a tennis stroke, golf swing, and the like, and, by virtue of imparting rotational movement to the feet, enable an individual to optimally perform proper rotational movements. The training method maybe incorporated into a sports instruction regimen applicable to a wide-variety of sports, including skiing, surfing, and martial arts, as well as many activities, in addition to tennis, golf and baseball.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A process of improving a person's tennis stroke while holding a tennis racquet, the process comprising the steps of: 
       a) providing an apparatus, the apparatus comprising:  
       i) a rigid, stationary base member positionable upon a planar surface;  
       ii) a first platform surface rotatably mounted upon the base member, the first platform surface being formed to rotate about a first axis; and  
       iii) a second platform surface rotatably mounted upon the base member, the second platform surface being formed to rotate about a second axis and extend along a continuous place relative said first platform surface;  
       b) placing said apparatus provided in step a) upon a tennis court;  
       c) placing each foot of a person on a respective one of the first and second platform surfaces of the apparatus positioned in step b);  
       d) advancing at least one tennis ball in close proximity to the person whose feet are placed upon the apparatus in step c); and  
       e) having said person hit said tennis ball advanced in step d) by means of a tennis stroke selected from the group consisting of a forehand and a backhand while the hips of said person engage a figure 8 pattern of movement.  
     
     
       2. The process as recited in  claim 1  wherein in step e) the tennis stroke is selected from the group consisting of a volley, and service motion. 
     
     
       3. The process of  claim 1  wherein said process further comprises the step of: repeating steps a)-e). 
     
     
       4. A process of improving a person's balance and coordination, the process comprising the step of: 
       a) placing an apparatus on a planar surface, the apparatus comprising:  
       i) a rigid stationary base member positionable upon the planar surface;  
       ii) a first platform surface rotatably mounted upon the base member, the first platform surface being formed to rotate about a first axis; and  
       iii) a second platform surface rotatably mounted upon the stationary base, the second platform surface being formed to rotate about a second axis and extend along a continuous plane relative said first platform surface;  
       b) placing each foot of the person on a respective one of the second and third platform surface; and  
       c) performing a body movement, said body movement being selected from the group consisting of a tennis stroke, a golf swing, a swing of a baseball bat, a martial arts maneuver, an aerobics exercise, a surfing motion.  
     
     
       5. A process of improving a person's golf swing while holding a golf club, the process comprising the steps of: 
       a) providing an apparatus, the apparatus comprising:  
       i) a rigid, stationary base member positionable upon a planar surface;  
       ii) a first platform surface rotatably mounted upon the base member, the first platform surface being formed to rotate about a first axis; and  
       iii) a second platform surface rotatably mounted upon the base member, the second platform surface being formed to rotate about a second axis and extend along a continuous place relative said first platform surface;  
       b) placing said apparatus provided in step a) in a golf facility selected from the group consisting of a golf course and a golf driving range;  
       c) placing each foot of a person on a respective one of the first and second platform surfaces of the apparatus positioned in step b); and  
       d) having said person hit a golf ball by means of a golf swing while the hips of said person engage a figure 8 pattern of movement.  
     
     
       6. The process of  claim 5  wherein said process further comprises the step of repeating steps a)-e).